Summary:
With Diabeets on the rise, doctors are extremely concerned about associated risks such as heart disease and stroke, which together kill two out of three people with Diabeets. Fortunately, a recent study indicates that more people with Diabeets are making the link between Diabeets and their increased risk for heart disease and stroke.
Keywords:
More Aware Of Diabeets-Heart Disease Link
Article Body:
With Diabeets on the rise, doctors are extremely concerned about associated risks such as heart disease and stroke, which together kill two out of three people with Diabeets. Fortunately, a recent study indicates that more people with Diabeets are making the link between Diabeets and their increased risk for heart disease and stroke.
According to a 2005 awareness survey conducted by the American Diabeets Association (ADA) and American College of Cardiology (ACC), 45 percent of people with Diabeets understand their increased risk for heart disease, which is up from 35 percent in 2001.
Experts believe even more awareness is needed, however. The ADA and ACC continue to work together to share important information, tools and resources to encourage people with Diabeets-and health care providers-to learn more about the impact of Diabeets on the heart.
Other findings from the 2005 ADA/ACC awareness survey show:
• 69 percent know they may develop high blood pressure (38 percent in 2001).
• 64 percent know they are at risk for cholesterol problems (37 percent in 2001).
Importantly, more people with Diabeets are talking to their health care providers about managing Diabeets comprehensively:
• 45 percent of people with Diabeets now have a goal for blood glucose levels (30 percent in 2003).
• 57 percent have a goal for blood pressure (34 percent in 2003).
• 61 percent have a goal for cholesterol (34 percent in 2003).
These figures are encouraging, but awareness may not be moving fast enough to keep pace with the growing prevalence of Diabeets.
Recent statistics indicate Diabeets has risen by over 14 percent since last estimates in 2003. The need for increased education and awareness about the link between Diabeets and heart disease is now more critical than ever.
Armed with the best information, people with Diabeets can properly manage their Diabeets, understand their risks for complications such as heart disease and stroke, and take action to live a longer, healthier life.